This section include letters and email messages from parents, teachers, Tufts students and children. To maintain confidentiality, the names of the children are fictionalized. The names of the Tufts student tutors are their own. 

Hi,  Cindy: 
I LOVED my volunteers.  They were always prepared and had work for my students.  Both volunteers built wonderful relationships with the two students getting help with writing. They really came a long way by the end of the school year.  I would STRONGLY recommend that they continue with the same child in 5th grade if possible. I absolutely love this program and wish I could match up every needy student with someone. 
It was so positive!                                                                         
Have a wonderful summer,
Julie 

Dear Dean Hollister:
Last year my daughter, Alice, was fortunate enough to receive T.L.C. tutoring services from a wonderful Tufts freshman named Jessica Prestifilippo. Alice was a shy second grader and was becoming very frustrated. Learning to read was a struggle, and she felt “dumb” compared to her friends, who were reading chapter books.

We had heard about the Tufts Literacy Corps program, and contacted the director, Dr. Krug.  She met with us in person, looked over testing documents, and talked with us on the phone several times about Alice’s specific needs. Then she paired Alice with Jessica, who introduced herself to us as a “voracious reader” and who wanted to open up the world of books to Alice.

Jessica turned out to be an excellent choice. She was serious about teaching, but often the learning took place in the form of games and fun activities, and she knew when Alice needed to take a break. For the rest of the year Alice and Jessica worked together twice a week after school. Dr. Krug met with Jessica on a weekly basis to discuss and guide Alice’s progress.

By the end of the year Alice was reading at grade level, and most importantly, had come to see reading as a source of enjoyment rather than frustration. We were thrilled, and Alice often asked for permission to stay up extra late so that she could finish reading in bed! We believe that Dr. Krug’s program was vital in helping Alice to “crack the code” and finally, really, learn how to read. We will always be grateful that Alice was able to participate in the T.L.C. and want to thank Jessica and Dr. Krug for all of their hard work.
Sincerely,
Alice’s Mom

Dear Dr. Krug:
I hope this is not too late to include in Mary’s recommendation letter.  Mary is the best thing that has happened to Alexandra’s math building skills since we bought her a calculator. She has knowledge, patience and best of all she makes learning fun. Alex adores her and says to tell her to enjoy her Spring Break. Just so you know, before Mary began tutoring, Alex was a year behind grade level on a standardized test. She is now at 80% on the 3rd grade level.
Thank you so much providing such an excellent service!
Alexandra’s Mom 

Dear Dr. Krug:
I am writing this letter for Trevor Williams for helping me with all of my studies. Math was always a struggle for me in many ways. For example, my math teacher would go over the material very quickly, and I would get confused. Even though I was confused, Trevor was there to help me. Since he helped me, I would understand the material and I would get better grades on my tests. My mother would hire tutors for $100.00 and we could not afford that. Now I get tutored for free, and I think it is so much better, and it’s not boring at all. One day, I would like to go to Tufts University and be like Trevor Williams. Trevor is the best… …and I will miss him so much.  
Sincerely,
Randy

Dear Dr. Krug:
This letter is in appreciation for the outstanding academic success that Trevor Williams has accomplished with my son… …He has been a positive role model and a dream come true as a student-teacher because he has helped our son overcome so many obstacles: study habits, problem-solving techniques, practical applications for lessons, organization skills, math, writing and self-confidence…  …Trevor has given our son tools that will inspire his academic life for many years to come… and in appreciation, we offer him an open door to our home for a lifetime…  …In conclusion, our hope is that the Tufts Literacy Corps continues on with such a remarkable program, especially for our youngest son, Connor, who coninues to benefit as well.
Yours truly,
Michael J. McGinty- Randy’s Dad

Dear Dr. Krug,
I just wanted to let you know how great Joan was with my daughter. She was so stressed out about being in advanced Algebra that I didn’t know what to do. Joan explained the work to her and made her feel so comfortable that every week she was looking forward to tutoring.  Thank you for having this program in place. 
Merrill Lacey
P.S. I loved watching my daughter walk up to the Tufts library, hopefully she will go there for college.